ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Science & Technology
DST-SERB in collaboration with INSA launches photo & film competition with the theme “Science through My Eyes”
Indian National Science Academy  and Science and Engineering Research Board  is organising a photo/painting and a one-minute-film competition. The competition aims to help people go beyond their discipline and see, understand, and appreciate science around them. A critical look will help in fostering and promoting the scientific spirit, interest in research and will encourage creative abilities.
The theme for the competition is ‘Science through My Eyes.’ Any suitable sub-theme under this main theme may be chosen. Some examples of sub-themes are science in the lab, kitchen, sports, hospital, at home, or at work. The creation may include any work in the above forms related to the COVID 19 virus, healthy life, geo-heritage, health, fascinating space, and any sub-theme covered under the main theme ‘Science through My Eyes.’
“Democratisation of science through science everywhere and science for all is a compelling theme which will be an important aid in developing the scientific temper in the society at large, inspire the young in pursuit of quality, innovative knowledge, and indeed contribute in the development, security and economic needs of an Atma Nirbhar Bharat,” said Prof Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST.
The competition is open to Indian nationals only. There is no entry fee. Entries will be under 3 groups-- doctoral students  and Post-doctoral Fellows in any discipline, those pursuing professional degrees like MBBS, MS, MD, M Tech, MBA in any discipline, practicing scientists and any other working professionals such as doctors, engineers, technical staff, film-makers, para-medico… etc. A team of two may also be made to create the work. The entry can be in the name of an individual or a team of 2 individuals.
The entries may be e-submitted anytime during 11 AM on 30th June 2020 and 5 PM on July 15th, 2020.
(For more details:
http://www.insaindia.res.in/scroll_news_pdf/INSA_SERB_Competition.pdf)
Ministry of Finance
AUM through NPS and APY subscribers under Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority crosses Rs 5 trillion
8,186 corporate enrolments with 10.50 lakhs subscribers till 10th Oct 2020
2.5 crores subscribers enrolled under APY
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority  today announced crossing Rs 5 lakh crore Assets Under Management  mark. The subscriber’s contributions under the National Pension System  and Atal Pension Yojana  have jointly contributed to this landmark figure, over a period of 12 years.
The growth in NPS subscribers has also been remarkable over the years with 70.40 lakhs employees joining the scheme from the government sector and 24.24 lakhs from the non-government sector.
The Regulator, PFRDA, in its endeavor to make the subscriber registration, the exit process and processing other service requests seamless and subscriber friendly, has been regularly introducing new methods of subscriber authentication such as OTP/ eSign based onboarding, Offline Aadhaar-based onboarding, third party onboarding after KYC verification, e-nomination, e-exit for NPS Subscribers etc.
Shri Supratim Bandyopadhyay, Chairman, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority , said that achieving Rs 5 lakh crore AUM is a major achievement which reflects the subscribers have faith in PFRDA and NPS. We have enabled a robust and unique architecture with efficient systems and professional fund managers delivering market based returns enabling our subscriber to accumulate their retirement corpus. During this pandemic, a growing realisation of both corporates and individuals has emerged that retirement planning is not a mere saving or tax benefit choice, witnessed by NPS enrolment growing almost 14% during this challenging period.
About PFRDA
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority  is the statutory authority established by an enactment of the Parliament, to regulate, promote and ensure orderly growth of the National Pension System  and pension schemes to which this Act applies. NPS was initially notified for central government employees recruits wef 1st Jan 2004 and subsequently adopted by almost all State Governments for its employees. NPS was extended to all Indian citizens  on a voluntary basis and to corporates for its employees.
As on 10th Oct 2020, the total number of subscribers under NPS and Atal Pension Yojana has crossed 3.76 crores and the Asset under Management  has grown to Rs 5,05,424 crores.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves signing of Memorandum of Understanding between India and Bolivia in the field of Railways
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, was apprised of a Memorandum of Understanding on the cooperation between India and Bolivia on cooperation regarding Bioceanic Railway Integration Corridor Project.
The MoU will facilitate exchange of information, expert meetings, seminars, technical visits and implementation of jointly agreed cooperation projects.
The MoU was signed in March, 2019.
Prime Minister's Office
English rendering of PM’s remarks on Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in Rajya Sabha
Respected Mr Chairman Sir,
There has been extensive discussion on this extremely important bill for the past two days. Approximately 132 Hon’ble members from both Houses came together and engaged in a very meaningful discussion. Each and every word of this discussion will be beneficial to all of us on our journey ahead, and that is why every aspect of this matter holds its own significance and value. In the beginning of their remarks, members had already stated that they support this bill, and for that, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to all Hon’ble members. The spirit that has emerged will instil a new sense of confidence among the people of our country, and all Hon’ble members and all political parties have played a very significant role in this regard. Women empowerment is not only achieved by the passing of this bill; it goes beyond that. The positive approach of all the political parties of the country towards this bill is going to give a new energy to the women power of our country. It will come forward with leadership and contribute to nation-building with a new belief. It, in itself, will be a guarantee for our bright future.
Respected Mr Chairman Sir,
I do not want to take a lot of time of the house. I only express my gratitude for the sentiments you have expressed. And when it comes to voting, I earnestly request that this is an Upper House, and hence, efforts have been made for a good discussion, and, therefore, we give the country a new confidence by voting on this bill unanimously. With this expectation, I once again thank everyone from the bottom of my heart.
DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered in Hindi.
Vice President's Secretariat
Shri Naidu meets the Rajya Sabha officials, wishes them a happy future
“You will always remain close to my heart,” – VP to RS employees
Rajya Sabha officials emotionally recall their days with Shri Naidu
VP plants Sita Ashoka sapling at Parliament House lawns
The Vice President and Chairman Rajya Sabha, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today met the officials of Rajya Sabha Secretariat at Parliament House and thanked them for all the love and support over the last five years. Appreciating their dedication and sense of duty, Shri Naidu wished them all the very best for their future. “You would always remain close to my heart,” he told Rajya Sabha employees.
The scene turned quite emotional when the senior officials of Rajya Sabha recalled their days with Shri Naidu and thanked him for his guidance and leadership over the years. They wished the outgoing Chairman a happy and healthy life.
Prior to this, the Vice President also planted a sapling of Sita Ashoka at the Parliament House lawns and emphasized the need to protect and preserve our natural environment. Highlighting that in Indian tradition, a tree is considered equal to many sons, he called for promoting tree plantation across the country.
Ministry of Railways
Delhi receives its FIRST Oxygen Express
64 MT is on its way to Jabalpur & Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh
2 more trains with total 7 tankers carrying more than 100 M Tonnes expected to reach Lucknow in 36 hours
Approx 450 MT Liquid Medical Oxygen already delivered in six Oxygen Express trains so far
.
Currently, another oxygen express is on the run from Bokaro to Bhopal via Jabalpur. This train is carrying 64 metric tonnes of liquid medical oxygen in six tankers, which will replenish oxygen demand in Madhya Pradesh through the city of Bhopal and Jabalpur.
Another empty rake from Lucknow has reached Bokaro, which will bring another set of oxygen tankers replenishing oxygen supply to Uttar Pradesh.
Delhi has received its first Oxygen Express carrying more than 70 metric tonnes of liquid medical oxygen today early morning.
So far, As per provisional estimates Indian Railways has delivered 202 metric tonnes to Uttar Pradesh, 174 metric tonnes to Maharashtra and 70 metric tonnes to Delhi. Madhya Pradesh will receive 64 metric tonnes in next 24 hrs.
Prime Minister's Office
PM congratulates Indian Women's hockey team on winning Asia Cup 2017
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has congratulated the Indian Women's hockey team on winning Asia Cup 2017.
"Congratulations to our hockey team on winning the Women's Asia Cup 2017. India is delighted by their stellar performance.",the Prime Minister said.
Ministry of Railways
Kisan Rail Services
Under the Kisan Rail Project, Railways have so far operated Kisan Rail services on the following routes:
- Devlali/Sangola  to Danapur/Muzaffarpur 
- Anantpur  to Adarsh Nagar 
- Yeshwantpur  to Hazrat Nizamuddin 
- Warud/Nagpur  to Adarsh Nagar 
- Chhindwara  to Howrah 
- Sangola  to Howrah 
- Sangola  to Shalimar 
- Indore  to New Guwahati 
- Ratlam  to New Guwahati 
- Indore  to Agartala 
- Jalandhar  to Jirania 
- Nagarsol  to New Guwahati 
- Nagarsol  to Chitpur 
- Nagarsol  to New Jalpaiguri 
- Nagarsol  to Naugachia 
- Nagarsol  to Fatuha 
- Nagarsol  to Baihata 
- Nagarsol  to Malda Town 
- Dahanu Road  to Adarsh Nagar 
- Tarkeshwar  to Dimapur 
- Nagarsol  to Agartala 
- Dhoraji  to New Guwahati 
- Nagarsol  to Dhupguri ; and
- Nagarsol  to Gour Malda 
Since the launch of first Kisan Rail service on 7th August 2020 and upto 5th February 2021, Indian Railways have operated 208 Kisan Rail services, transporting approximately sixty-eight thousand tonnes of perishables including fruits and vegetables.
However, in order to facilitate storage of perishables, temperature controlled Perishable Cargo Centres have been established at Nashik, Singur, New Azadpur, Raja Ka Talab/Varanasi, Ghazipur and Fatuha. In addition, cold storage Reefer Park has been developed at Inland Container Depot, Dadri and a cold storage facility has been established at Rai, Sonipat.
This information was given by the Minister of Railways, Commerce & Industry and Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri Piyush Goyal in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Power
NTPC committed towards improving power supply in Bihar
NTPC has been supplying power to the state of Bihar as per the schedule provided by various stations of NTPC and its JVs. During the fortnight from 14.08.2021 to 28.08.2021, on an average, NTPC has supplied around 73 MU Power on daily basis to Bihar, which constitutes around 62% of the total consumption of Bihar during the same period.
The peak demand months for the FY 2021-22, as declared by Eastern Region Power Committee, at the beginning of the year were April, May and June. Accordingly overhauling in some units were planned during this period to align with the low demand period. These units will gradually be taken back in service.
Further, Unit#2 of NTPC’s Darlipalli station in Odisha is being declared on commercial operation from 01-09-2021 and Bihar will get nearly 94 MW share from this plant.
Prime Minister's Office
PM Celebrates Silver for Parul Chaudhary in the women's 3000m steeplechase at the Asian Games
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated Parul Chaudhary for silver medal in in the women's 3000m steeplechase at the Asian Games.
The Prime Minister posted on X :
"An outstanding Silver for Parul Chaudhary in the women's 3000m steeplechase at the Asian Games!
Her dedication and hard work have truly paid off. India is truly elated. Congrats to her and best wishes for the endeavours ahead."
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs 
Cabinet approves foreign investment of more than Rs.5000 crore and up to Rs.25,000 crore by way of a Rights issue of M/s. Vodafone Idea Limited
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister has approved the FDI Proposalfor Foreign Direct Investment of more than Rs. 5000 crore and up to Rs. 25000 crore in M/s Vodafone Idea Limited  as part of a proposed equity fund raise by way of a Rights issue of equity shares and/or other equity linked securities to eligible shareholders of the company. It also approved to take on record the proposed changes in the indirect foreign investment in the subsidiaries of VIL, which will take place on account of non-residents subscribing to the equity shares in the Fund Raise.
Point-wise details:
- M/s Vodafone Idea Limited  is a public listed company incorporated under the Companies Act, 1956.
- The equity shares of the company are listed on the National Stock Exchange of India Limited and the Bombay Stock Exchange Limited.
- The Company is engaged in the business of providing telecommunication services pursuant to various licenses granted to it by the DoT.
- The company has existing FDI approval for up to 100% Foreign Equity participation.
- Foreign Direct Investment  would be more than Rs.5000 crore and upto Rs. 25000 crore as part of a proposed equity fund raise by way of a rights issue of equity shares and/or other equity-linked securities .
- The approval will also result in the change in the indirect foreign investment in the subsidiaries of VIL which will take place on account of non-residents subscribing to the equity shares in the Fund Raise.
Impact:
The inflow of foreign investment to India will spur economic growth as well as foster innovation.
Background:
FDI up to 100% is allowed in Telecom Services Sector wherein 49% under automatic route and beyond 49% through government route subject to observance of licensing and security conditions by the licensee as well as investors as notified by the Department of Telecommunications  from time to time. Further, the 100% FDI has been approved in the Company. However, in consideration of the extant FDI Policy and procedure, it is necessary to take the Government approval for FDI beyond Rs. 5000 crore even if there is no change in the percentage of foreign/ NRI equity already approved.
Accordingly, the approval has been given Foreign Direct Investment of more than Rs. 5,000 crore and up to Rs. 25,000 crore in M/s Vodafone Idea Limited  along with the approval to take on record the proposed change in the indirect foreign investment in the subsidiaries of VIL which will take place on account of non-residents subscribing to the equity shares in the Fund Raise.
PIB Headquarters
‘Special Passport Mela’ on September 7, 2019
In order to meet the public demand and to facilitate submission of applications for the frequent travellers due to extended time in getting appointments, Regional Passport Office, Chennai will be holding ‘Special Passport Mela’ on Saturday the 7th September 2019 at Post Office Passport Seva Kendras , Vellore, Kallakurichi and Krishnagiri.
Post Office Passport Seva Kendra, at Vellore, Kallakurichi and Krishnagiri will function on Saturday the 7th September 2019 like any other normal working day and aceept applications as per time slots allotted to the applicants. Approximately 170 applicants are expected to be benefitted from this Mela.
To participate in this Passport Mela, all applicants have to log on to the official website ‘www.passportindia.gov.in’, register on-line, generate ‘ARN’ , and pay online fees and then take appointment. Applicants participating in the mela should bring the print-out of ARN with appointment details, to the POPSK along with the requisite documents in originals, plus one set of self attested photocopies. Applications under Fresh and Re-issue categories only will be accepted.
The appointments will be released on 4th September  at 1430 hrs for the mela to take place on Saturday, 7th September 2019. On the day of mela, applications will be accepted only as per the time slot allotted to them. Applications of PCCs, Walk-ins including On-Hold and Refused Tokens will not be entertained during the Mela, according to the press release issued by Regional Passport Office, Chennai
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Steps Taken for Control of Bird FLU
The strains of Bird Flu detected so far are H5N1, H5N8 and H5. National Institute of High Security Animal Disease , Bhopal is conducting laboratory testing for bird flu in meat products in the country.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India  has a network of 190 primary food testing laboratories under Section 43 of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and 18 Referral Laboratories under Section 43 of the Act. Besides these, there are 18 State Food Testing Laboratories continuing under Section 98 of the FSS Act 2006. Out of these, almost 165 food laboratories are capable of testing meat and meat products. 2 Referral laboratories viz. National Research Centre on Meat Hyderabad and Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Kochi are dedicated for the purpose of testing meat and fish.
25 notified primary food testing laboratories and some Referral Laboratories viz CALF-National Dairy Development Board, Gujarat, CIFT, Kochi, NRC, Meat , Hyderabad, National Food Testing Lab, Kolkata and one National Reference Laboratory viz. Edward Food Research and Analysis Centre, Kolkata have facilities for testing of Antibiotic residues.
Till date there are no laboratory confirmed human cases of avian influenza reported in the country.
No vaccine has been developed in India or procured by the Government to protect people from bird flu/avian influenza. Zoonotic diseases for which vaccine has been widely used and procured by the Government is Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis, Kyasanur Forest Disease.
Department under Assistance to States for Control of Animal Disease  supplement the efforts of States/UTs Government for prevention, control and containment of animal diseases including bird flu by providing financial assistance based on the action plan and requirement of the states. The financial assistance provided to the states affected with bird flu is given in at table below.
e
Funds Released to Bird Flu Affected States Under Assistance to States for Control of Animal Disease 
|
|
Sl. No
|
|
State/UT
|
|
Rs. in lakh
|
|
1
|
|
Bihar
|
|
0.00
|
|
2
|
|
Chhattisgarh
|
|
486.25
|
|
3
|
|
Gujarat
|
|
0.00
|
|
4
|
|
Haryana
|
|
694.91
|
|
5
|
|
Himachal Pradesh
|
|
64.78
|
|
6
|
|
Kerala
|
|
0.00
|
|
7
|
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
|
0.00
|
|
8
|
|
Maharashtra
|
|
0.00
|
|
9
|
|
Punjab
|
|
0.00
|
|
10
|
|
Rajasthan
|
|
1041.24
|
|
11
|
|
Uttar Pradesh
|
|
6313.98
|
|
12
|
|
Uttarakhand
|
|
30.62
|
|
13
|
|
Delhi
|
|
0.00
|
|
14
|
|
Jammu & Kashmir
|
|
1724.58
|
||
|
TOTAL
|
|
10356.36
The Minister of State , Sh. Ashwini Kumar Choubey stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha here today.
Ministry of Development of North-East Region
High level team of Ministry of DoNER to visit Jammu and Kashmir tomorrow
A High level team of officers from Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region  will be visiting Jammu and Kashmir tomorrow. The purpose of the visit is to look into the new reforms and best practices that can be introduced in J&K. The Union Minister of DoNER  Dr Jitendra Singh recently chaired a meeting with the officials of DoNER Ministry. During the meeting, the Minister discussed various issues and developments related to the upcoming visit.
The key focus areas of the visit will be: Sustainable livelihood giving due emphasis on women empowerment and community based bottom-up approach, eco-tourism and bamboo based cottages, exchange exposure programmes of North East and Jammu & Kashmir of farmers and artesans, promotional show rooms in J&K by Ministry of DoNER  of local products, community based natural resource management, training of J&K artesans in CBTC, Burnihat, collaboration programmes on skill development and cultural exposure and exchange programmes.
Ministry of Communications
Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment for 2022-23
The Government of India has launched a Scheme Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment for 2022-23. Under this Scheme, financial assistance is provided to the States Governments in the form of 50-year interest free loan for capital investment projects.
Under Part V  of the Scheme, an amount of Rs 3000 Crore is earmarked and will be available to States for capital projects on Optical Fibre Cable  network. On the recommendation of Department of Telecommunications, Department of Expenditure has recently approved proposals of four States namely Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Haryana and Karnataka with allocation as 50 Cr, 84 Cr, 65 Cr and 156 Cr respectively.
Ministry of Education
Union Education Minister holds a meeting on Universalisation of Quality Education through Digital Education
Shri Pradhan called for expanding the existing platforms to cover entire spectrum of education and skill development
Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan held a meeting on universalisation of quality education through digital education. Minister of State for Education Smt. Annapurna Devi, Smt Anita Karwal, Secretary, DoSE&L, Dr. T.P. Singh, DG, BISAG-N, Shri Shashi S. Vempati, CEO, Prasar Bharati and other officials from the Ministry of Education were also present in the meeting.
Discussion centred on leveraging satellite technology and internet to develop an integrated digital ecosystem. The Minister called for an innovative approach to leverage technology to further expand the existing platforms to cover all spectrums of School Education, Higher Education, Skill Development and Teachers training. He called for strengthening and expanding the existing Swayam Prabha Initiative and synergize initiatives like National Digital Education Architecture  and National Educational Technology Forum . Shri Pradhan stressed on the need to bridge digital divide and reach the unreached to bring greater inclusion in education.
The Minister said that a committee may be formed under Chairpersonship of Secretary, DoSE&L with senior officials from School Education, Higher Education, Ministry of Skill Development, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Dept of Telecommunication, Prasar Bharti, Ministry of I&B, BISAG-N and Department of Space.